Oldest varsity match in the world returns this St Andrew’s Day
Scotland’s two most historic Universities will take an age-old rivalry to London on St Andrew’s Day this year, when they meet for the annual Scottish Varsity game.
The unique fixture between the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh dates back more than 150 years and predates the annual Oxford versus Cambridge Varsity played at Twickenham.
Crowds predicted in the thousands are expected to turn out to see the top men’s rugby sides in action at the event which will be hosted by London Scottish FC in West London. All alumni supporters, friends and family are welcome to attend.
Adding to the occasion this year will be post-match entertainment involving a live Scottish Band and a late license bar for revellers to celebrate St Andrew’s Day with the teams after the game.
Last season’s event saw more than 1500 spectators attend, including former Scotland winger and London Scottish Director Kenny Logan and Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon, when Edinburgh took home the trophy with a 32-0 victory.
The match epitomises the age-old rivalry between St Andrews and Edinburgh Universities and at the same time illustrates the continuing strength and spirit of amateur rugby.
Both Universities are leading the way in Scottish Rugby by each employing full time members of staff to focus on their Rugby programmes. Director of Rugby at St Andrews, David Ross, has more than four years of experience working as one of Scottish Rugby’s Performance Development Managers and David Adamson, Edinburgh’s Rugby Development Officer, has risen quickly through Scottish Rugby’s Coach Education System.
Director of Rugby at the University of St Andrews David Ross said:
“This event shows the vision and professional attitude that both rugby programmes are delivering in their Universities, the potential to make this event one of the major rugby dates in the calendar is huge.
“For alumni living in the South East of England in particular, the game provides a great opportunity to celebrate St Andrews Day and have the chance to cheer on their old University’s current rugby squad against their ‘arch’ enemies.
“So grab your friends, your former class mates or former rivals and get down to Richmond to watch the game.”
ENDS
Match details
Scottish Varsity March, Friday 30 November 2012, 7.30pm – 10pm.
Richmond Athletic Ground, Kew Foot Road, Richmond, TW9 2SS
Gates open at 6pm.
Admission to the game is priced at £10 per ticket for adults, U16’s free, and includes post match entertainment until 2am.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.londonscottish.com
Further information can be found at the Scottish Varsity Match Facebook event with regular updates on the match and activities for the weekend.
Contact David Ross, Director of Rugby, University of St Andrews.
T: 01334 461793 or 07736457607
E: [email protected]
Category Sport